School

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Diesel Mechanic Schools in Oregon

About Diesel Mechanic Schools in Oregon

Total Schools:

7

Average Tuition Cost:

$3,824

Average Loan Amount:

$6,174

Average Scholarship Award:

$1,512

Average Classroom Size:

20 Students

Diesel mechanic program in Oregon have been rapidly increasing in popularity, thanks to the growing demand for diesel mechanics in the state and in the entire country. There are seven schools with diesel mechanic programs in Oregon, and almost all of them are along the western border of the state. Tuition varies widely between schools, but the average tuition cost is $3824. Students can take advantage of a many different financial aid opportunities, including loans, grants, and scholarships. One of the scholarships you can look into is the Oregon Independent Auto Dealers Association. One scholarship is awarded each year, and the average scholarship award is $1500. This can significantly reduce the amount of money you have to spend on your education.

Find Your Diesel Mechanic Program in Oregon

One of the most important decisions in your education is what kind of program you attend. Most of schools and Oregon have two options: an Associate's degree or a certificate. An Associate's degree in diesel technology takes most students two years to complete, because it includes general education coursework in many different fields. A certificate generally takes one year to complete, and it focuses solely on diesel technology classes. There are many courses that are the same between both types of programs. Some classes you may have to take include Diesel Engine Repair, Steering and Brake Systems, Hydraulics, and Equipment Management Systems.

One of the benefits of a diesel mechanic education is that it allows you to start your career as soon as you graduate, since there are no licensing requirements in Oregon. ASE certification is optional, but many diesel mechanics find that it helps them advance their careers. You can take one or more ASE exams. Upon successfully passing your exams, you earn ASE certification that is valid for five years.

Start Working in the Oregon Diesel Mechanic Industry

Between 2010 and 2020, the national job outlook for diesel mechanics is very strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in job openings for diesel mechanics during this timeframe. In Oregon, according to O*Net, the amount of job openings for diesel mechanics is expected to remain relatively stable between 2010 and 2020.

Thanks to your hard work in your diesel mechanic program, you may be able to earn a very good salary as a diesel mechanic. O*Net reports that the median salary for diesel mechanics in Oregon is $44,300 (O*Net, 2012). The listed range of salaries goes from $28,400 per year to $59,300 per year (O*Net, 2012).

There are many places that are hiring diesel mechanics, thanks to the rapidly growing need for diesel mechanics across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some of the most common work environments for diesel mechanics are garages, on-the-road repairs, and construction sites. This may involve working some evening, weekend, or overtime hours. Most diesel mechanic employers the United States are leasing centers, dealerships, auto repair shops, and truck driving companies. In Oregon, some of the biggest diesel mechanic employers are Aerotek, First Student, Nelson Leasing, and Hall Motor Company. Many of these employers are located in or near Oregon's large cities.

With its unique combination of quiet rural areas and tight-knit suburban communities, most people who live in Oregon love it so much that they never leave. Of course, there are some large cities in Oregon, like Portland, Eugene, and Salem. However, most people in Oregon live in suburban or rural communities. There are many attractions in Oregon for wilderness and history buffs, including mountains, national parks, history museums, and skiing resorts. Sperling's Best Places reports that the cost of living in Oregon is about 12% higher than the rest of the country. However, the cost of living may be lower in certain rural areas of the state.